With his mind set on the next steps, Shia's hands moved skillfully, finishing his weapon forging.

A simple yet ancient-looking dagger rested in his palm, imbued with one special effect: 'Holy Light Execution.'

'Holy Light Execution:' Inflicts 100%-1000% critical damage on demons based on their bloodline purity.

One-time use only.

At first glance, it seemed underwhelming. But for Shia, who understood the intricacies of the qualification matches, it was the perfect shortcut.

The second test was dungeon combat, where the bosses were modeled after high-ranking demons who had already fallen. The test offered four difficulty levels: Easy, Hard, Hell, and Legendary.

The higher the difficulty, the purer the boss’s demonic bloodline, increasing the challenge for the participants.

This was why Shia chose to forge a weapon.

Holy Light Execution was inherently effective against demons.

Against a boss in the Easy difficulty, the dagger’s effect might seem mediocre. But the stronger the demon, the more powerful this dagger became—potentially achieving a one-hit kill!

After the first test concluded, the second test, dungeon combat, began shortly.

However, before the battles started, teams had to be formed.

Teams required a minimum of two members and a maximum of five. The test encouraged teamwork and camaraderie among new students, assessing their interpersonal and leadership skills.

Moreover, forming a team increased survival and success rates in the dungeon.

As soon as the team formation phase began, the arena buzzed with activity as students scrambled to find teammates.

Naturally, stronger individuals were in high demand.

As the new student representative, Violet was a hot commodity. Everyone wanted to team up with someone powerful.

Amid the flood of invitations, Violet remained calm and composed.

Her plan was clear: tackle the Legendary-level dungeon, the highest difficulty.

Legendary-level dungeons tested not only individual strength but also team coordination and leadership.

When Violet announced her goal, many who had gathered around her hesitated and dispersed.

The Legendary difficulty wasn’t something most dared to challenge. They might dream of being carried by a top-tier teammate, but tackling such a dangerous challenge? They’d rather settle for an easier dungeon.

If they couldn’t join the princess’s team, they’d find another group.

Those who stayed by Violet’s side were elite students, confident in their abilities. Soon, Violet selected four teammates, forming a well-balanced team: a tank to absorb damage, a high-damage-dealing mage, and a healer. A perfect lineup, fully utilizing the five-member limit.

Meanwhile, others in the arena quickly finalized their teams, forming groups of varying strengths and sizes. They began introducing themselves and working on building rapport.

In contrast to the radiant white-stockinged princess, another figure stood out for her isolation.

A petite girl with a flat chest and an expressionless face emitted an aura of "Do Not Approach."

Though undeniably adorable, her intimidating demeanor deterred anyone from approaching her for a team.

If she got disqualified simply because she couldn’t form a team, it would be a joke.

Though her face remained cold and indifferent, internally, the girl was conflicted.

She wanted to find teammates, but her hesitation had cost her.

By the time she worked up the courage, everyone around her had already joined other teams.

The chaotic scene earlier had now become clusters of people chattering and laughing, as if they were lifelong friends.

'How is making friends so easy for everyone else?'

The girl couldn’t understand it.

As she stood there, stuck in her dilemma, a hand suddenly extended toward her.

“Interested in teaming up with me?”

The boy’s voice was warm and gentle, pleasant to hear.

For the struggling girl, his refined yet sunny demeanor felt like a ray of light piercing through the darkness.

Rong looked up at the boy.

The black-haired youth had an elegant and calm air, with strikingly handsome features.

But she was confused.

Who was he?

Did they know each other?

Why was he asking her to team up?

Rong stared blankly at Shia’s face, lost in thought.

He was a complete stranger. She’d never seen him before.

Should she team up with him?

This was her only invitation so far, and she was somewhat thrilled that someone had approached her.

Yet her expression remained cold and aloof, giving off an unapproachable vibe.

Anyone else might have interpreted her reaction as a rejection.

But in truth, Rong felt relieved. Finally, someone had taken the initiative to invite her.

She wanted to happily agree.

Yet her face betrayed no emotion, and the words that escaped her lips were laced with doubt.

“Are you sure you won’t drag me down?”

Her cold, scrutinizing gaze came across as hostile.

As soon as she spoke, she regretted it.

She wanted to express joy, but instead, her words came out hurtful.

Inside, she was torn, wanting to change her awkward personality.

But this was how she’d always been—stubborn and awkward. It wasn’t something she could fix overnight.

She lowered her head, still expressionless.

It seemed as though she wasn’t interested in Shia’s offer.

In reality, Rong was silently beating herself up.

'He’ll probably get mad and leave now, won’t he?'

She didn’t want this to happen. She didn’t want to push away the only classmate who had reached out to her.

But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t control herself.

“Not really,” Shia’s calm voice replied, sounding above her.

His tone betrayed no hint of anger.

Rong couldn’t help but look up, meeting his tranquil gaze.

He seemed relaxed, completely unfazed by her skepticism.

Shia shrugged and finished his thought.

“After all, I’m not much of a fighter. I can only provide you with a weapon.”

Rong was surprised and glanced at Shia again, a strange feeling stirring inside her.

'He’s not mad? Even after what I said?'

Shia had already moved to stand naturally by her side.

“So, does this mean we’re officially a team?”

Rong hesitated briefly, her strange feelings intensifying.

Having someone to team up with was more than enough.

Though their team was small, at least she wasn’t alone anymore, standing apart from the rest.

While her heart rippled with emotion, her expression remained stoic.

Her face even seemed a bit sour.

After a long moment, Shia finally heard a faint word escape her lips.

The sound was so soft that if he hadn’t been fully focused, he might have thought he imagined it.

“…Yeah.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com